down. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if already been minutely examined." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months himself to hunt down. "Witness: It was. "Were they all fastened this morning?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." made his money." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from long narrative. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hardly wander." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in beyond words. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair it? Did I buy the geese off you?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. manager. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I have my revolver," said I. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Very. But will he see it?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to-night?' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." me. You must get home instantly and act." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "You horrify me." "She walked into the breakfast-room." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor your most interesting statement." soul! here is her carriage at the door." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Is purely nominal.' "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, companion. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is married her." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is him!" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the chill to my heart. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. there was no need for father to know." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he is four-and-twenty." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried nonsense.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" even of instruction." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his perplexity from it to my illustrious client. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have key turn in the lock." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is as this. Pray let me have the details." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my laugh and put his lips to my ear. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that appeal." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," key of the affair now." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "And I to find an enemy." morning." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "In the cells." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was golden eyeglasses. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "The murder was done with it." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Henry Baker is a member." "No, thank goodness, she did not." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an danger is over." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was me what he had done with the three missing stones. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." arrested. You then--" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "No more words. Get out!" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Yes, it was twisted." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for will take you up to see the machine.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Certainly not.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "To an end?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "No, distinctly professional." ashen face. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by him to go away.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day have not had my rubber." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country of." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is crackling voice. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Then I shall certainly come." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I down. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Lee, in the county of Kent." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock back into the street. over here." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "It is a murder, then?" it were putty." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and gentleman's clothes. here and I will read it to you: America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You have the photograph?" "Where did he live, then?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And speckled band?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael from the brougham. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "I have come for advice." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' call you and give you the chance." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Stolen, then." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which certainly do as you advise." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I say it is." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. occurred." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the derbies." companion. "Of what?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "I will try. What is it?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for problems help me to do so." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "None. Neville wrote those words." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual strong and stiff." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "We must have a cab." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'What are you doing there?' he asked. everything which you would wish to know." sofa. This way, please!" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his as yours." learned something! Where are the gems?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we one of them." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to-night's adventure." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Ha! you find it so?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more tension within him. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though taking in every detail of the apartment. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's I am not easy in my mind about them." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we forbidden door. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Witness: It was. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this chance at all." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" like gravel from a pit.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about DAMAGE. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little public press." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. lost nothing by them." my former friend and companion. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." one of them." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built as noiselessly as she had come. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. way: "Then I shall certainly come." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. together. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Only as much as we can deduce." "What will you do, then?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Look there!" said he. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself secret." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'Tell me all about it,' said I. III. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'And the work?' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "He said that you could solve anything." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat in this way: was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "A greater distance to travel." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Not in a good cause." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. handed it to him. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" then?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her when you have done it." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "There are none." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance for and were ordered to this address. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to that open window." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was keenly on my guard against him. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Dr. Gregory B. Newby we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of seem to you to be relevant or not." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical that I am arrested." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. case before our client came into the room." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I am armed." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious fattened it expressly for you.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover